Sourced from the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) Onsite Septic System Program — last checked July 2026.
Quick answer: Jefferson County’s septic permitting runs through Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) — not a county health department, since Louisville and Jefferson County merged into a single metro government in 2003. The process has two separate fees: a $375 site evaluation fee paid upfront before the evaluation is scheduled, and a $425 construction permit fee paid after the site is approved. All fees are non-refundable.
The Louisville Metro Process, Step by Step
- Submit a completed Application for Site Evaluation by email or mail to LMPHW’s Onsite Program, 400 East Gray St, 2nd Floor, Louisville, KY 40202.
- Pay the $375 site evaluation fee by check (payable to Louisville Metro Government) or credit card at 502-574-6655. This fee must be paid before your evaluation can be scheduled.
- LMPHW conducts the site evaluation. Note: the evaluation is done in coordination with a backhoe operator — you’re responsible for scheduling and paying the backhoe operator separately.
- If the site receives a “suitable” rating, the inspector marks the approved area with flags. Your certified installer then submits an Onsite Sewage Disposal System Construction Application and Permit, including a drawing of the proposed system layout.
- Pay the $425 construction permit fee (plus a $25 plan approval fee for building permits).
- A certified installer completes the work. LMPHW must inspect before any of the work is covered.
- Final approval issued once all requirements are met.
Fee Summary
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Site evaluation | $375 |
| Construction permit | $425 |
| Plan approval (building permit) | $25 |
All fees are non-refundable. Confirm current fees directly with LMPHW before submitting payment.
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Contact LMPHW
Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, Onsite Program
400 East Gray St, 2nd Floor, Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502-574-6655
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a septic permit cost in Jefferson County, Kentucky?
Two separate fees: a $375 site evaluation fee paid before the evaluation is scheduled, and a $425 construction permit fee paid after site approval. Both are non-refundable.
Why does Louisville use LMPHW instead of a county health department?
Louisville and Jefferson County merged into a single metro government in 2003. The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) administers all onsite sewage permitting for the entire former county.
Do I need to hire a backhoe operator separately for my site evaluation?
Yes — LMPHW conducts the evaluation in coordination with a backhoe operator, but you're responsible for scheduling and paying the backhoe operator independently.